Page 33 of Silverbow
“I’m afraid she’s out, my lord.”
“Out? Out where?”
If only I knew.Renley hurried to keep up as the High Lord clasped his hands behind his back and started strolling down the aisle.
“I don’t suppose her absence would have anything to do with your stable being empty and your men fleeing down the Queen’s Road?” A slow smile spread across Peytar’s face.
Renley cleared his throat. “I am afraid, my lord, that she’s chosen today of all days to flee her suitors.”
“Ah, the perils of courtship.”
“Indeed, my lord.”
“My men can retrieve her.”
Renley knew enough of Peytar to know that offer was a thinly veiled threat. “That is very generous, my lord, but it won’t be necessary. It is only a family matter. I’m sure she’ll be home before dark.”
“Of course.”
“This is our herd stallion, Tyndar.”
“Some Zeskayran blood in this one, isn’t there?” Peytar drawled.
“A good eye, my lord.”
“Zeskayran blood fetches a premium in the Haarstrond Court, and yet you only sell in the North and Westerlands.”
“Bridgewater and Valbelle are easier rides, my lord.”
The High Lord’s lip curled. “Is that why you never come to court?”
Renley stiffened. “I will not pretend I love the city, my lord, but-”
“It wasn’t thecitythat tied you to a questioner’s block,“ Peytar chuckled. “That wasPallas.”
Cold sweat dotted Renley’s brow and his knees wobbled at the memory.
“He was inconsolable after the disappearance of his young wife. I’m sure you understand, having lost your own.”
Renley fought to get a grip on his composure. “Of course, my lord. A shame Her Majesty was never found.”
A gods damned blessing.
Cold eyes bored into him. “A shame indeed.”
Marwar sometimes muttered that the gods abandoned them long ago, but Renley realized then that they hadn’t. He didn’t know what Peytar knew, or thought he knew, but Enya’s departure was nothing short of its own blessing.
Nimala forgive my blasphemy.
When they stepped back into the yard, the scribes had remounted, content with whatever Griff had given them. The High Lord of Pavia strode back toward his carriage and Renley felt some of the tension leave his shoulders.
“I will see you and that girl of yours at Lord Thornson’s ball tomorrow,” Peytar said glibly.
Renley blinked. “My lord, I-”
“Do not mistake me, Renley. It wasn’t a request.”
The wretched man knows.
